On Saturday, December 14 and Sunday 15, two brilliant shows entertained friends and family of Martin Wimbush. He was such an integral part, as actor, poet, a kind and gentle individual who was looking forward to being part of the group, knowing that it may be his last appearance as he was not well. Unfortunately he passed away shortly before but in his words: “The show must go on”. His friends certainly brought together a great extravaganza with Sally Bayly’s wonderful voice, musical director and pianist Malcolm Newton, and Gregory Cox and Stephen Riddle reading the “chosen words” which Martin suggested as his favourites: lovely poems, some serious and some funny.
At all times the audience was aware how Martin was missed in the longstanding musical show but the friends on stage loved that it was possible to perform it as a tribute to Martin. Marie Hanley, his wife, gave thanks to everyone and said just how much she appreciated the close-knit group on stage and the support of others she has had since Martin got ill and beyond. Martin had already enrolled the help of a longstanding friend, Gregory Cox from their acting guild (Actors and Writers London) to come along and share the spoken parts with him. But with his sad, sudden departure and Marie so keen for the show to go ahead, Gregory enlisted another of their acting friends from AWL, Stephen Riddle. And what a double act they were.
Both brought some wonderful new material to the show, as well as delivering Martin’s chosen pieces with love and humour and professionalism. Sally explained that in fact the show had only one rehearsal – on the very day of the show itself. But they pulled it off fantastically to the huge enjoyment of the audience.
The money raised for the Motor Neurone Disease Association is still being counted and comprises ticket sales, generous donations and a raffle at each performance with two paintings kindly donated by the wonderful artist and family friend, Brenda Hartill. Suffice to say that several hundred pounds has been raised – we thank everyone for their incredible generosity. When a precise figure is available it will be published in Rye News. If anyone would like to make an additional donation, no matter how great or small, please contact Sally Bayly.
The team have high hopes of bringing another joyous and poignant Christmas show next year, to continue raising funds for Motor Neurone Disease and the community centre in loving memory of Martin.
Image Credits: Dena Smith Ellis & Isabel Ryan , Heidi , Christmas Cracker .